Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/190797
Sarasota News Leader October 11, 2013 Page 36 a guarantee that the county would not be committing itself to granting rights extended by other jurisdictions that might not be included in the Sarasota ordinance, a concern Commissioner Nora Patterson echoed. She felt "goosy" about "this whole thing," she said. located within the geographical area of Sarasota County." County Attorney Stephen DeMarsh reassured the commissioners that the ordinance would grant only the rights specifically enumerated, even if visitors are entitled to greater rights in their hometowns. The proposed ordinance containing the reciprocity language in fact states that only "rights, privileges and benefits" outlined by the ordinance may be conferred to those registered elsewhere, and only while "such individuals are physically Some jurisdictions give domestic partners the right to "educational decisions," and Shelin asked the commission to include language granting that. The City of Sarasota, for example, allows domestic partners "the same rights to participate in the education of a Dependent of the register Domestic Partnership as a biological parent," but if a biological parent objects, "only the participation of the biological parents shall be allowed." Hines eventually moved to approve the ordinance with the reciprocity language, and the measure was passed unanimously. But one provision Shelin argued for was left by the wayside. Ken Shelin addresses the County Commission. Photo by Rachel Hackney